Air passenger traffic out of Nigeria increases 48 hrs to elections

There are indications that the number of passengers travelling out of the country through the international wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos has increased tremendously since the beginning of election week.

A source at the gateway airport, who does want his identity revealed, told Daily Independent that some of the foreign airlines operating into the airport such as Emirates, Delta Ai Lines, United Airlines, Etihad, Emirates, South African Airways, Kenya Airlines, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic Airways, and Ethiopian airlines have been enjoying large passenger traffic since the beginning of this, referred to by many as election week.

The source attributed the increase in the number of passengers travelling out of the country to the elections that is coming on March 28, and April 11  for fear that there might be trouble.

The Lagos Airport source explained that most of the airlines were over booked  since the beginning of the week and that this has made airlines to reschedule some passengers.

The source said that since it was certain that the presidential and gubernatorial elections would be held on the stipulated dates, some of the country’s citizens and foreigners are apprehensive that the election may be run into violence in the country.

When our correspondent visited the international wing of the Lagos Airport, the departure hall was filled with intending passengers, who were seen checking in their luggage ,while those who have checked –in were seen trekking towards the customs area for security checks.

The British Airways Regional Commercial Manager, West Africa, Mr. Kola Olayinka  confirmed the increase in passenger movement but stated that  the increase is due to the Easter celebration and for the fact many schools are on vacation .

Olayinka stated that passengers traffic has increased in the last three days, despite the low volume the airlines recorded in January and February due to devaluation of naira against the dollar.

Kola did not agree that the increase in traffic volume was due to the coming elections, adding that besides BA other international carriers are also witnessing traffic increase.